Dam Busters, The (1955)

Based on a true story: the development and use of bouncing bombs that skimmed
across the water to breach hydroelectric dams on the Ruhr River. It was --
astonishingly -- a successful mission, although with heavy losses for the air
crews.

Largely a tale of two men: the boffin who conceives, designs and builds the
bomb, and the Wing Commander who trains and leads the crews on the mission.

Almost a documentary in the first half, it builds to intense excitement. The
attack on the Deathstar in Star Wars (1977) is a quote of the bombing runs
on the dams.

It is an old-style war film. All stout fellows, eager to get to the mission,
without second thoughts. The regrets come afterward when they count the
losses.

WW2 was rich with these techno-adventures. Both Churchill and Hitler were
enthusiastic for super-weapons of the future. In movies, the scientist-soldier
would evolve into Quatermass
characters after the war.

The wikipedia article has notes on the
rather good historical accuracy. Lots of real aircraft and gear in use. Some
of the bad special effects were required because the unmodified film footage
was still classified!

Early glimpses of Robert Shaw and Patrick McGoohan.

The commander's dog was a black Labrador called "Nigger". The name causes
heads to explode these days, but the dog was loved by everyone on base and was
apparently a common name for black dogs in England then. The dog was hit by a
car and killed just before the mission: his funeral became a bit of juju for
their success.

At one time Peter Jackson was interested in a remake; I don't know if that is
still on.

Finally: those going on a mission can have bacon and eggs. All others get
toast and jam.